From the Guidelines
Throat pain from stomach acid burns due to severe vomiting can be effectively treated with a 4- to 8-week trial of single-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, such as omeprazole (Prilosec, 20mg once daily), as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This approach is based on the latest evidence from the American Gastroenterological Association, which suggests that PPI therapy is a safe and effective initial treatment for patients with typical reflux symptoms and no alarm symptoms 1. In addition to PPI therapy, other treatments such as:
- Sipping cool water or sucking on ice chips to soothe the irritated tissue
- Over-the-counter medications like liquid antacids (such as Maalox or Mylanta, 1-2 tablespoons every 4-6 hours) to coat and protect the throat
- Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, 500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) or ibuprofen (Advil, 400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) to reduce discomfort
- Throat lozenges containing benzocaine or menthol for temporary numbing relief
- Avoiding acidic foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco while healing
- Staying upright for at least 30 minutes after eating to prevent acid reflux can also be used to help manage throat pain and promote healing. It's also important to note that antireflux surgery may be considered in patients who meet certain criteria, such as those with persistent troublesome symptoms despite PPI therapy, as recommended by the American Gastroenterological Association 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study suggests that PPI therapy should be recommended as initial therapy due to its superior safety and efficacy 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
1.4 Treatment of Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD for up to 4 weeks in patients 2 years of age and older. 1.5 Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis (EE) Due to Acid-Mediated GERD Pediatric Patients 2 Years of Age to Adults Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of EE due to acid-mediated GERD that has been diagnosed by endoscopy in patients 2 years of age and older
The treatment of throat pain related to stomach acid burns from severe vomiting is managed by treating the underlying condition of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or Erosive Esophagitis (EE) with omeprazole.
- Omeprazole is used to reduce stomach acid production, which in turn reduces the symptoms of GERD and EE, including throat pain caused by acid reflux.
- The recommended dosage of omeprazole for the treatment of GERD is 20 mg once daily for up to 4 weeks 2.
- For the treatment of EE, the recommended dosage of omeprazole is 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks 2.
- It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and treatment duration to ensure effective management of symptoms and to minimize the risk of adverse effects 2.
From the Research
Throat Pain Treatment Related to Stomach Acid Burns
- Throat pain caused by stomach acid burns from severe vomiting can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) [ 3 ].
- In cases where proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are ineffective in treating GERD symptoms, alternative treatments may be considered, such as:
- Histamine-2 receptor antagonists at night
- Baclofen to decrease transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations
- Pain modulators
- Acupuncture
- Hypnotherapy [ 3 ].
- For patients with normal reflux testing results, alternative diagnoses such as achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroparesis, rumination, and aerophagia should be considered [ 3 ].
- In some cases, patients may be diagnosed with functional heartburn, a visceral hypersensitivity syndrome, which can be challenging to treat [ 3 ].
- Antireflux surgery may be an option for patients with abnormal acid reflux defined by pH testing and a good correlation of symptoms with acid reflux [ 3 ].